Three years ago, when I started work at the South Auckland Research
Centre I did not really know what to expect. I knew that the community was
different to any library setting that I had worked in previously.
From a socio-economic point of view conditions vary greatly from place
to place, it is young, it is vibrant, and it is multi-cultural. I noticed the
strong sense of community. I was welcomed with warmth; there is a tangible
spirit of generosity here. I had moved from a small city in the provinces to
‘the big smoke’. Now, when I go back to visit family there it feels like I am
stepping back in time.
In geographical terms the South Auckland Research Centre collects material
from across a large area. South Auckland has a rich and deep history.
Boundaries have been created, merged, changed and expanded over time.
Thinking about my initial impressions of South Auckland led me to look
for a way to highlight the community by drawing attention to some of the
important photographs that we hold in our Footprints collection. The exhibition
Peace, prayer, and reflection in South Auckland is a selection of
portraits of people and buildings that have a connection with spiritual life
and worship in South Auckland.
The exhibition runs from 2 April to 1 May at the South Auckland Research Centre on Level 1 of Manukau Library, so please do drop bye and have a look. If you can't make it in take some time to look at the online exhibition. Below are a few of the images in the exhibition.
Author: Sharon Smith, South Auckland Research Centre